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Over The Edge and Sidewalk Days

A daredevil event will put the spotlight on downtown Duluth, but before going "Over the Edge," Eyewitness News got a preview of the adrenaline-filled fundraiser making it's way to superior street.

Each year folks flock to Superior Street for sidewalk days. It's an annual event that brings local vendors and stores to the street, but this year they're going sky high.

Thursday the Over the Edge sensation hits Duluth. It's brining out brave and fearless souls who'll take a nine-story vertical walk down the Sellwood building. It's an off-the-wall fundraiser that has folks showing-off their adventurous side. Participants raised pledges of at least $1,000 to give downtown retail a boost with training and grant programs.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase the downtown," Sellwood building owner Abbot Apter said.

We met up with building owners, Abbot and Pascha Apter, to see where it'll all go down. They say they're volunteering this building because of their love of downtown Duluth.

"I've worked downtown, I've lived downtown, I play downtown," Abbot said. "I mean just look around it's a spectacular place to be."

Not only are the two donating their building, they'll also be rappelling and they're doing it in style.

"We are planning to go over in our wedding dress and tuxedo to celebrate our second wedding anniversary." Pascha said. "We're going to renew our vows and take the plunge together."

The couple says the Over the Edge event is a fun chance to renew their vows and celebrate the two-year anniversary. But they say this event is really about celebrating growth downtown.

"I'm really excited," Pascha said. "I'm excited about the draw it's going to bring to the downtown and the publicity it's going to bring the this area is incredible and just what Duluth needs."

There will be plenty of action up on the Sellwood building as participants get ready to do their thing, but it continues down on Superior Street for Sidewalk days.

"It was a great opportunity to put the two of them together, get more people down on the street and really put the spotlight on downtown," President of the Greater Downtown Council Kristi Stokes said.

Stokes says local retailers and more than 50 food vendors will take to the street for the three day event. There's also plenty of nighttime events to enjoy with the car show Wednesday night and street dances Friday and Saturday.

"It's a great mix of retail, food, entertainment, music and repelling," Stokes said.

Stokes says when spectators are watching from below every safety precaution will be taken above. "This is something that's really taken seriously and safety is a number one concern of theirs and we know that," Stokes said.

So, whether you're going Over the Edge or looking for a little local shopping at sidewalk day, this event really has a little something for everyone. So, listen up Northland because downtown is waiting for you.

Sidewalk Days kicks off Wednesday on Superior Street in downtown Duluth. It will run through Friday July 12th. So, Superior Street will be closed to traffic starting at 8 a.m. each day between Lake Avenue and 4th Avenue West.

Don't forget about all of the fun nighttime activities. You can check out eight block of cars, bikes and bands tonight for the annual car show. Friday and Saturday you can dance the night away at the street dances.

There are still plenty of hopeful participants who need your help getting to that $1,000 minimum. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Over the Edge event and to donate.